Excess ethanol in petrol: Keralam launches random checks at pumps after Karnataka detects high levels

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM After sample testing in Karnataka revealed that petrol sold by several major oil companies in the State contained ethanol far above the prescribed 20% level, the Keralam government has also begun inspections in fuel outlets to check ethanol levels. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob on Monday (November 9, 2026) announced random inspections at fuel outlets in four districts – Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur.

Lab tests show ethanol blend in E20 petrol as high as 31% in Karnataka storyline 1 Suresh Gopi defends E20 petrol, says Karnataka, Kerala free to conduct own studies Suresh Gopi defends E20 petrol, says Karnataka, Kerala free to conduct own studies Suresh Gopi defends E20 petrol, says Karnataka, Kerala free to conduct own studies shorts 1 Thiruvananthapuram District Supply Officer Smitha S.R. told The Hindu that samples are being collected from two pumps in the district, which will be sent to a lab accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for analysis.